Synthesis and characterization of 2D conjugated organic polymers: the electrochemical approach.

In light of the considerable impact synthetic two-dimensional (2D) polymers are expected to have on many fundamental and applied aspects of the natural and engineering sciences, it is surprising that little research has been carried out on these intriguing macromolecules. Although numerous approaches have been reported over the last several decades, the synthesis of a one monomer unit thick, covalently bonded molecular sheet with a long-range ordered (periodic) internal structure has yet to be achieved. We will use atomically flat substrates as templates to preorganize appropriate monomers and initiate the reaction leading to 2D polymerization under electrochemical control. Scanning tunneling microscopy will be used to evaluate the success of the approach.

Keywords:Polymers, Electrochemistry, Scanning tunnelling microscopy

Disciplines:Analytical chemistry, Physical chemistry